Sad to see Jamie Moyer suffer a possible career-ending injury at the tender age of 47.
In all seriousness, Gramps will be missed. I was at his historic complete game shutout win over the Braves this year. That’s a picture I took of the scoreboard from our seats in Section 143. It was electrifying. Felt like a perfect game. Would’ve been, too, were it not for Troy Glaus!
Helen and I have seen more than our fair share of Moyer starts. Turns out our season ticket package lines up with some of our diciest starters, whether it’s Moyer or Eaton or Blanton or Kendrick. We just seem to get the guy who’ll either be lights out or out of the game by the fourth inning. Since Jamie came over from Seattle, I can’t think of a pitcher who leaves me with a bigger grin on my face than Jamie, through all his ups and downs.
It’s easy to forget the times he got pasted by the opposing nine when he gives up a long fly ball to Evan Longoria, only to have it land in Pat Burrell’s glove, followed by Moyer sticking his tongue out at the Tampa Bay dugout. Drawing a walk earlier this season against Johan Santana to load the bases, setting up another amazing Victorino grand slam. Watching him dismantle a young stud like Jason Heyward is exactly what makes him so special. It’s been a treat to see him have success this late in his career.
When we reached the All Star Break I wasn’t sure if the Phils wouldn’t give him another shot, but I don’t think anyone will take that risk now. Ride off into the sunset, old fella. You’ve had an amazing career. We’ll never forget you digging up the pitching rubber in ’08. That was a veteran move, just the sort of thing we brought you here for in the first place.
Then again, reading this great post over at Finger Food makes you wonder if the crafty lefty doesn’t have a plan after all.